Disposable Straight Razors: Which Is Best for You?

The disposable straight razor, more commonly known as a shavette, is like an ordinary straight razor in many ways. The key difference is that its blade is disposable, but the rest of the razor is not. Normal straight razors have permanent blades that are not replaceable.

If you like the functionality of a single-blade razor but are looking to streamline your shaving routine a little and eliminate maintenance, you’ll be happy to know that the disposable razor has all the advantages of a straight razor, and then some, with an initial investment of about $40.

The primary benefit of straight razors is that they give an extremely close shave, one that’s closer than any other type of razor. They also don’t produce as much waste as multi-blade razors and are much easier to keep clean because you only have to maintain one blade.

One disadvantage of straight razor is that, because the blade is permanent, it is bound to lose its sharpness, so you have to sharpen and moisturize the blade from time to time. In contrast to this, you just have to add a new blade to a disposable one.

They do not cause irritation like multi-blade razors, and they also don’t cut the hair beneath your skin, so you can avoid ingrown hairs. While single-blade disposable razors are very effective overall at giving you a great shave, not all on the market are created equally. Getting to know your options can help you make the right choice.

Our Top Disposable Straight Razor Pick: Parker SR1

Out of all the straight razors on this page, our favorite is the Parker SR1. It provides a very close shave, is high quality, will last a lifetime, and is excellent for beginners. It's a truly 5-star blade.

This product is made from stainless steel to ensure durability, and it won’t rust if you forget to dry it off periodically. This razor has a snap/lock feature to keep the blade contained when you’re not using it.

Pros

The razor is cheaper than its competitors. It provides a nice, close shave. It also has an appealing vintage styling to it, and you can add a variety of different blades to it if you don’t like what it comes with.

Cons

Because this blade is styled the way it is and looks like something you’d see in an old-timey barbershop, it can be harder to maneuver than one that looks like a modern razor. You have to do some practice to get familiar with this tool. If you’re not experienced with single-blade razors, it’s easy to injure yourself with this one because it’s smaller and the blade doesn’t stick out as far.

However, if you’re looking for a great razor to learn with, the price is definitely right on the Parker. It’s also very light, so if you’re looking for something with a little heft to it, you might want to skip this one. Best Price

Dovo’s Shavette is German-engineered and made of steel to ensure it remains rust-free. It holds long and short blades, and the handle is balanced so it’s easy to grip and maneuver in your hands.

Pros

The razor is affordable at around $35. It has a nice balance and you can use almost any blade. The handle itself is also a little sharp, but in this case that’s a good thing because it’s easier to grip.

Cons

This handle does not come with a set of blades to use at first; it requires a beginner to select proper blades, which may be intimidating if you’re new to shavettes.

Overall, the Dovo Shavette is one of the most durable entry-level disposable straight razors. Buyers report that it’s important to learn the right shaving angle with this product; it requires a steeper angle than most others, so you need to be careful even if you’re experienced with this type of razor.

Try this one if you want a cheaper setup but want higher quality than you get with the Parker. Find The Best Price

This beautiful razor is made from stainless steel. It has a heat-resistant gum handle. It comes with four different blade types to suit all textures of facial hair.

Pros

The razor has very balanced ergonomics and feels great in your hand. There’s a good weight to it that’ll help you feel confident it won’t slip when you’re shaving. The feather-thin blades ensure a truly close shave.

Cons

There aren’t many disadvantages to this razor aside from the cost. Expect to pay around $200. This razor is one of the top disposable single-blade products available on the market, and you’ll value how well it shaves if you’ve had plenty of practice with this type of razor. The cost may be prohibitive, however, so you may want to learn the ropes with something cheaper at first.

The classic razor comes with 100 ultra-sharp Derby blades and is made of stainless steel. It’s sleek and portable at a very low price point.

Pros

This razor is extremely economical and the cheapest of those reviewed, costing less than $10 for the handle and blades. It’s surprisingly durable and balanced for such a small tool.

Cons

The blades that come with it are extremely sharp, so you need to be careful. Loading blades can be a bit hard because the holes on the handle are not aligned perfectly, so you must be sure the blade is tight before each use. Generally, this is a good product and the price is right.

It makes a great travel razor and works well if you’re familiar with using this style. The blades are sharp but lose this quality quickly, so you may want to invest in a better package of blades, such as those from the Shark company. If you’re looking for quality or something to learn on for a low price, choose the Parker over this one. Best Price

Which to go for?

A good disposable straight razor should be balanced and a bit heavy. If a razor has a good weight, then you don’t have to apply much pressure, so it saves you from cutting yourself. It also should give you a close shave. The blades should be easy to put in and the razor should be durable (as you only want the blades to be disposable, not the whole razor).

If you can afford it, then the best razor to buy is the Feather DX Japanese Straight Handle Razor. It is durable and offers minimal chances of cutting yourself. It has almost no drawbacks aside from the price, and the rubber handle is great for beginners.

Our Top Disposable Straight Razor Pick: Parker SR1

Out of all the straight razors on this page, our favorite is the Parker SR1. It provides a very close shave, is high quality, will last a lifetime, and is excellent for beginners. It's a truly 5-star blade.

1 COMMENT

You should have included the Dovo long blade. That blade comes with the purchase of the Shavette, and is by far the smoothest cutting blade I have found among the disposable blade straight razors. And compared with the half blade DE sizes, it lasts a lot longer. Your coverage of the Dovo Shavette was far from complete. Why do you urge readers to purchase from Amazon? There are other smaller shops that sell for less and offer much better customer service.